Buffalo Bills 23, New York Jets 20: A Hard-Fought Victory
The Buffalo Bills secured a gritty 23-20 victory over the New York Jets, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. Josh Allen had a typical performance, showcasing his ability to deliver impressive passes and extend plays while navigating through chaos. He finished the game with 215 yards and two touchdowns, bouncing back effectively from a disappointing 9-for-30 outing against Houston the previous week. Rookie running back Ray Davis provided unexpected support, but both teams struggled with penalties. The Bills found themselves in an offensive rut until Tyler Bass kicked a 22-yard field goal, regaining the lead with under four minutes left. After a strong first half where they scored three touchdowns, Buffalo’s offense faltered in the second half. However, their defense, particularly Taylor Rapp, played a pivotal role by thwarting the Jets at the goal line and executing crucial pass break-ups to keep the game within reach. Although the win was far from flawless, it was essential for the Bills, especially after two consecutive losses.
Jets Fail to Capitalize on Strong Offense
In his first game with Todd Downing as the offensive play-caller, Aaron Rodgers flourished, completing 23 of 35 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns. Both Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark and scored touchdowns, while Breece Hall finally found his rhythm with 113 rushing yards on 18 carries. Despite these positive developments, Rodgers faced heavy pressure from the Bills’ defense and expressed frustration over missed opportunities. The Jets squandered two promising drives, as Greg Zuerlein missed two field goals off the uprights. The game culminated in an acrobatic interception on a pass intended for Mike Williams, who slipped while trying to return to the ball. This moment encapsulated the Jets’ struggles; even when they appeared to have the upper hand, they failed to execute.
Davis Steps Up in Place of Cook
Ray Davis made a significant impact as he filled in for James Cook, showcasing his prowess as one of the top pass-catching running backs from the 2024 draft. Known for his sturdy build and low center of gravity, Davis proved difficult to bring down, finishing the game with 97 rushing yards on 20 carries. On Buffalo’s opening drive, he played a crucial role, carrying the ball six times for a total of 48 yards in a nine-play, 70-yard touchdown drive. This performance sent a clear message that the Bills’ ground game remains a formidable threat. Additionally, Davis caught three passes for 55 yards, including a spectacular 42-yard diving reception, demonstrating his versatility and ability to make plays. His standout performance introduced him to the NFL audience and added another dimension to the Bills’ offense.
Jets Stumble Following Coach Firing
Following the dismissal of Robert Saleh earlier in the week, the Jets appointed defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach. However, they surrendered 359 yards of offense in a narrow defeat to their division rivals. Adding to their woes, the Jets were penalized 11 times for 110 yards—a concerning statistic, especially since the Bills faced similar issues with 11 penalties totaling 94 yards. While the changes to the offensive staff showed some promise, the defense struggled significantly, particularly in the first half. Despite a slight improvement in the second half, they failed to secure a much-needed stop after Rodgers’ late-game interception, culminating in a disappointing performance. The Jets, currently ranked second in the NFL in total yards allowed, have now given up over 350 yards in two of their three prime-time games this season. With Saleh gone, the team faces increased scrutiny, especially with challenging matchups against underperforming offenses in Pittsburgh and New England on the horizon.
A Game Marred by Penalties
The game was characterized by a staggering total of 22 accepted penalties, contributing to an overall lack of rhythm. While the close score and late-game tension added intrigue, the frequency of errors was notable, overshadowing the play on the field. Multiple penalties negated positive plays, including a Braelon Allen touchdown run that was called back due to a holding penalty, which could have swung the momentum in this tightly contested matchup. Interestingly, this was not the Jets’ highest penalty total this season; they recorded 13 penalties in a previous loss to Denver. As discussions about officiating dominate the sports talk circuit in the coming days, both teams will need to address their discipline issues moving forward.
Next Gen Stats Insight from Bills-Jets
According to NFL Pro, Ray Davis led the Bills in both rushing (20 carries for 97 yards) and receiving yards (three receptions for 55 yards), forcing five missed tackles on his 23 offensive touches in place of James Cook.
NFL Research Insight
Aaron Rodgers’ first-half Hail Mary touchdown pass to Allen Lazard marked the fourth time he has achieved this feat, making him the leader in such completions among all NFL players since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
